Sisters Brooke and Leah Barrettsmith of Spring Grove saw their singing careers take a huge leap when they both reached the upper echelon on America’s number one television show, American Idol. Brooke, age 24, and Leah, age 19, are graduates of Richmond Burton High School. Both were involved in musical productions at the high school.

 

The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006. Auditions were held in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco. Greensboro, NC, and Las Vegas were added after the cancellation of the Memphis auditions due to Hurrican Katrina.  “There were around 100,000 people who auditioned from around the country,” said Leah.

 

Initial Chicago auditions were held at Soldier Field. Rev. Scott Barrettsmith, founder of Spring Grove Bible Fellowship at 7664 Wilmot Road, accompanied his daughters for the audition. “We were lucky to get the last room available at a local hotel,” said Scott. Brooke told of waiting in a long, crowded line outside the stadium for four hours before the gates were opened at 9:00 am.  “We were with 20,000 people,” said Brooke. “It was raining. We were at Soldier Field for nine hours on the first day.”

 

Brooke and Leah survived three separate auditions in three days in Chicago before they were given the green light to go on to Hollywood by judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.

Once in Hollywood the stress level elevated quickly. The television show is noted for focusing on the emotions of the contestants as much as on singing ability. “The show’s producers love the crying, fighting and drama among the contestants,” said Brooke. “They like to see the gory stuff,” added Leah.

 

Both sisters passed the first round in Hollywood. The number of contestants was pared down to 90 by the second round when Leah was voted off the show. Brooke continued for another round and made it to the top 40. “It’s tough to be pushed out,” said Brooke. “But making it to this level is also exciting.”

 

You can hear a few of Brooke’s song and obtain booking information online at
http://myspace.com/brookebarrettsmith  Leah will also have her own site in the near future.

 

Look for in-depth coverage and an enlightening look behind-the-scenes of American Idol in next week’s Report.